SIXTY Scottish Premier League players will be seeking fresh employment at the end of the month after being told they are being released by their clubs, writes Ian Paul.
They vary from young up-and-coming hopefuls to veterans who might well have some playing to do yet. First among the latter category has to be Ray Montgomerie of Kilmarnock, who has been a stalwart and successful captain of the team that has made huge strides in the last few seasons.
The 38-year-old defender, who retains a great enthusiasm and application, is the old-timer of the lot. Another highly experienced player is Hearts centre half Dave McPherson, 35, but he is only free because he has yet to accept a one-year contract at Tynecastle.
Tynecastle spokesman Douglas Dalgleish said: ''If Dave doesn't accept the terms of the one-year contract he will leave the club - but he could still agree a new deal and then re-register with us.''
Celtic and Dundee lead the way by releasing 10 players each, Kilmarnock are next with nine free to go, and only St Johnstone, who clinched third-place and a UEFA Cup place, retain all of their current squad.
The Scottish Professional Footballers Association secretary, Tony Higgins, acknowledged that the numbers are about average since Bosman but is more
concerned about the possibility of full-time clubs switching to part time in the near future. ''We find that many players are now making use of our educational facilities to prepare for what seems an inevitable reduction in full-time players.''
The leading name on the list, Rangers' Jonas Thern, has been forced to quit the game because of injury at 32, after 75 caps for Sweden, while Forgotten goalkeeper Theo Snelders seems bound for Holland.
Former French internationalist Vincent Guerin is also confirmed as leaving Hearts, as is Mohamed Berthe after his ill-fated short-term switch from Bournemouth earlier this term.
As well as Montgomerie,
Kilmarnock manager Bobby Williamson has released defender Steven Hamilton.
At Motherwell, full-back Jered Stirling, who enjoyed first-team action under former manager Harri Kampman, finds himself out of favour as one of eight men let go by Billy Davies.
Greg Miller, son of Scotland assistant manager Alex, has also been shown the Fir Park exit as has French striker Herve Bacque and former Ipswich defender David White.
At Dundee, Jim McInally, Brian Grant, and Darren Magee depart, while at Tannadice there is disappointment for two former Old Firm men.
One-time Celtic winger Brian McLaughlin and ex-Rangers midfielder Neil Murray have both been told they have no future at Dundee United. Likewise, Neil Duffy is now tipped to join Ayr United, and Swedish
forward Kjell Olofsson is
confirmed as rejoining his former club Moss in Norway after an impressive three-year spell.
None of the 10 players released at Parkhead is a first-team man, but the same does not apply at relegated Dunfermline, with Gerry Britton, Derek Ferguson, and Gavin Johnson all previously East End Park regulars.
At Aberdeen, new manager Ebbe Skovdahl's need for goalkeeping cover appears more urgent, with Derek Stillie's departure leaving Jim Leighton the only established specialist at Pittodrie. List in full:
Aberdeen
Derek Stillie.
Celtic
Marc Anthony, Paul Borland, Gerard Crossley, Joe Hayes, Peter McDonald, Graeme Morrison, Stephen Murray, Gary Nicol, John Potter, Brian Vaugh.
Dundee
Michael Dickie, Ray Farningham, Finn Gilfillan, Brian Grant, Darren Magee, Stephen McDermott, Gary McGlynn, Jim McInally, Jerry O'Driscoll, Willie Thomson.
Dundee United
Neil Duffy, Dale Gray, Brian McLaughlin, Neil Murray, Kjell Olofsson.
Dunfermline
Gerry Britton, Kevin Donnelly, Derek Ferguson, John Fraser, David Hay, Gavin Johnson, George Shaw.
Hearts
Mohamed Berthe, Stuart Callaghan, Michael Cameron, Vincent Guerin, Dave McPherson.
Kilmarnock
Tony Elliott, Steven Hamilton, Gary McDonald, Ray Montgomerie, Gary Moore, Adam Strain, Chris Stain, Graeme Tait, James Woods.
Motherwell
Herve Bacque, John Dow, Sandy Hodge, Dan Kemp, Greg Miller, Jered Stirling, Michael Weir, David White.
Rangers
John Brown, Luigi Riccio, Kevin Robison, Theo Snelders, Jonas Thern.
St Johnstone
None.
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